Mount Pleasant is gearing up for “Le Tour de Mont Pleasant,” a two-day bicycle race and downtown festival this weekend.

Saturday’s criterium races will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

“The criterium races are for all levels, all skills of races including kid’s races,” said Lisa Hadden, president and CEO of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday’s event features a 33-mile race and a 105-mile race for high level category one and professional racers.

Hadden said the 105-mile race has a field of more than 220 riders who will be traveling throughout Isabella County at a speed of 25 miles per hour.

Event Coordinator Jack White said the event was designed to bring attention to downtown Mount Pleasant.

“It’s a new attraction. It’s taking advantage of a sport that’s fast growing in the nation. The hope is to further put Mount Pleasant on the map and draw in some new spectators, new blood and showcase and highlight businesses downtown,” he said. “We have high hopes and high expectations.”

The festivities begin 6 p.m. Friday with “Taste of Mount Pleasant,” as well as health and fitness vendors and music.

“(Radio station) 104.3 is playing music on site and will be taking requests,” Hadden said.

The band School of Rock will play from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, she said.

At 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Mountain Town Station, located at 506 W. Broadway St., will be hosting an Afterglow event with a food tent and live music.

“Downtown businesses are more than welcome to get creative and put a theme on storefront or serve special meals,” White said.

Hadden said the Chamber of Commerce has been planning the event for a year.

“It’s wonderful for Mount Pleasant,” she said. “First of all, it will bring in a lot of people who have never been to Mount Pleasant to see what a beautiful area we have. It puts Mount Pleasant on the map as a cycling destination. We plan to do this every year.”

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E-mail the author: Lindsay Knake